Nigeria: Beyond Tribes

I listened to a phone call between a Senator and someone about the state of things in Nigeria and I found that discussion very disturbing. The disparity between tribes in Nigeria is too wide. The executive and legislature have to become deliberate at keeping this nation united in peace.

The NYSC was a creative idea, but the purpose has been defeated almost completely. It’s not binding us together again as it is now easy to determine where you want. Before we blame that system too much, we mustn’t forget the insecurity in some parts of the nation. Southerners do not want to go to the North and vice-versa.

Our leaders have not helped matters. The Nigerian president, for example, displays the culture of his tribe alone until it’s time for election and we discover that they can dress in the attire of other tribes. That is very insensitive. National leaders must recognize, accept and work with the differences. Ignoring them would only make the issue bigger. Now, we vote for tribe ahead of competence.

We must come up with more creative ways and the basic route is LANGUAGE! Language is the basis for division from the beginning. It has always been a tool to divide men. We need to look for a way to reduce the dichotomy that language has caused and the easiest for us is through EDUCATION! One Nigerian language required for o’level is not enough as we all choose our native language. The three major languages in Nigeria ought to be compulsory to the secondary school level.

Make Yoruba and Igbo compulsory for the Northerners

Make Hausa and Igbo compulsory for the Westerners

Make Yoruba and Hausa compulsory for the Southerners

WAEC and NECO should give room for at least two Nigerian languages and tertiary institutions should require 2 Nigerian languages before considering admission. This will be a huge step at uniting the nation. As a Yoruba person, I should be comfortable calling an Igbo person my brother. Same with a Hausa man.